Compare Propofol to Fentanyl and Midazolam for Colonoscopy

The study aim is to determine if Propofol or the combination of Fentanyl and low-dose Midazolam, are equivalent for patient satisfaction and discomfort when undergoing a colonoscopy. This is a prospective randomized study of 262. The primary outcome of this study is participant's satisfaction and discomfort of the colonoscopy procedure as perceived by the participant, and the secondary outcome will be the discomfort of the patient and difficulty of the procedure as perceived by the physician.

Background The use of colonoscopy has become an important diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the evaluation of multiple medical conditions of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite its widespread use, there continues to be debate concerning the best pharmacologic approach to patient satisfaction and discomfort of the procedure and to minimize side effects.

Aim Two standard pharmacologic (Propofol or Fentanyl and low-dose Midazolam) approaches for colonoscopy will be evaluated systematically to determine if these two approaches are equivalent in terms of patient rating of satisfaction and patient discomfort to the procedure and side effects

Study Design This is a prospective randomized study of 262 participants undergoing outpatient colonoscopy at an independent academic medical center. The primary outcome of this study is participant's satisfaction, and the secondary outcome is discomfort of the patient as perceived by the physician performing the procedure.

Other Variables of Interest.

• Duration of procedure as defined by time the patient arrives in the room to the time the patient is appropriate for discharge.
• Difficulty of procedure rated by the physician on a scale of 0-10
• Colonoscopy completion rates (intubation of cecum).
• Complications including oxygen desaturation or hypotension.
• Cost of the two medication regiments

• Colon Cancer
• Rectal Cancer
• Colonic Diverticulosis

• Drug: Fentanyl
  Fentanyl will be administered IV according to standard procedure for colonoscopy. Initial dose will consist of no more than 50µg of Fentanyl. Patient response will be monitored for 30-60 seconds of observation before deciding to administer more Fentanyl in no more than 50µg increments. increments.
  Other Names:

  • Durogesic
  • Duragesic
  • Matrifen
• Drug: Propofol
  Propofol will be administered IV according to standard procedure for colonoscopy. The initial bolus of propofol will be up to 60 mg IV. Patient response will be monitored for 30-60 seconds of observation before deciding to administer more sedation in 10-20 mg boluses.
  Other Name: Diprivan
• Drug: Midazolam
  Midazolam will be administered IV according to standard procedure for colonoscopy. Initial dose will consist of no more than 2 mg of Midazolam. Patient response will be monitored for 30-60 seconds of observation before deciding to administer more Midazolam in no more than 2 mg increments.
  Other Name: Versed

• Active Comparator: Fentanyl and Midazolam
  Fentanyl and Midazolam sedation for colonoscopy discomfort
  Interventions:

  • Drug: Fentanyl
  • Drug: Midazolam
• Active Comparator: Propofol
  Propofol sedation for colonoscopy discomfort
  Intervention: Drug: Propofol

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age > 18
• Elective outpatient colonoscopy
• American Society of Anesthesiology Class (ASA) < IV

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18
• Inpatient status
• Emergency procedure
• History of colonic or rectal resection
• History of hypersensitivity to Propofol (or soy or egg products),Fentanyl or Midazolam
• ASA of IV
• Neurological deficit
• Acute gastrointestinal bleeding
• On anticoagulation agents
• Noncompliance with bowel regiment
• Pregnant women
• Prisoners